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(WEBMASTERS NOTE: The following meet report was written by Bill Clark in the Strength Journal, Vol. 1 No. 5. Our current USAWA President Denny Habecker made his USAWA National debut in this meet, as well as other famous USAWA members like Dale Friesz, Jim Malloy, Barry Bryan, Barry Pennsyl, and Chris Waterman. )

USAWA Nationals A Record-Breaker!

More than 225 records were set or matched in a great two-day session of the USAWA National Championships at the Downtown YMCA in Akron, Ohio, on July 15-16.

To pinpoint one top lifter at the expense of the others would be unfair…so many did so many record attempts.

Barry Bryan was the top male lifter, winning the 85 KG class easily. The 32-year-old Pennsylvanian set records in eight of the 10 events during the two long days and saw his total of 1714.32 kilos topped only by a pair of much heavier lifters. His 1603.06 points was 150 points better than anyone else.

The women’s title went to 52-year-old Jeanne Burchett of Baden, Pa., with an 18-record effort in the 60 KG class. She topped her outstanding two-day session with a great hand and thigh lift of 552 1/2 pounds.

Art Montini continued to dominate the masters. The 62-year-old from Aliquippa, Pa., continues to make tremendous gains. His 1588 points placed him well ahead of his team mate, John McKean, from the Ambridge, Pa., VFW WL Club. Bill DiCiccio of Ambridge was third among the masters.

Robbie McKean, John’s 11-year-old son, was the outstanding junior. He set nine age group records in the 10-13 age group and tied a 10th.

Cleveland’s Olympic Health Club (John Schubert, Howard Prechtel, etc) took the team title in spirited battle with Ambridge and John Vernacchio’s Valley Forge WLC. Missing from the action were the clubs from the Midwest and defending Champ, Steve Schmidt.

Attilio Alacchi did a tremendous job – with big assists from the Cleveland crew – in putting on the third annual USAWA get-together. And, as always, the guy who does the work never gets to lift and enjoy the meet as he has done the past two years. Thanks to you, Attilio, for all you did for the USAWA.

Best Lifter Awards:
Women Master Overall – Jeanne Burchett
Women Open Overall – Jeanne Burchett
Men Junior – Robbie McKean
Men 20-39 Age Group – Barry Bryan
Men 40-44 Age Group – John McKean
Men 45-49 Age Group – Jim Malloy
Men 50-54 Age Group – John Vernacchio
Men 55-59 Age Group – Gonzalo Gonzales
Men 60-64 Age Group – Art Montini
Men 65-69 Age Group – Howard Prechtel
Men Master Overall – Art Montini
Men Open Overall – Barry Bryan